If you’ve ever wondered what really goes into making a world-class bottle of wine—or even imagined sipping wine in Virginia with the woman who made it—this episode is for you. Emily Hodson is the powerhouse winemaker behind Veritas, Merrie Mill, and Flying Fox Vineyards. But before she was blending Bordeaux-style reds, she was studying infectious diseases. (Yep. You read that right.) In this conversation, Emily shares: Her unexpected path from epidemiology to enology Why winemaking is equal parts farming, food production, and finesse The truth about terroir, grape stress, and hot vintage years Why Virginia’s Cabernet Franc has winemakers swooning How to develop your “wine personality” (yes, you have one) Key Moments: - Emily’s pivot from science to wine - What really goes into a great vintage - The joy of cellar work (and the logistics behind it) - Emily’s thoughts on Cab Franc, Petit Manseng, and Virginia’s future - How wine reflects place, people, and personality This episode is rich, real, and refreshingly honest—just like a great bottle of wine. For more information about Emily and her wines: veritaswines.com https://www.flyingfoxvineyard.com/ https://www.merriemillfarm.com/ When’s the last time you did something just for YOU? 🍷✨ Wine Camp 2026 is your chance to escape, sip fabulous local Rieslings, cruise at sunset, laugh around the fire pit, and soak up the magic of New York’s Finger Lakes. 📍 Dates: July 31–August 2, 2026 🏡 Spots are limited, so grab yours now: https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/winecamp Wine Camp 2026 is calling. Are you in? Want support growing your business? Book a free Discovery Call with Penny: https://tidycal.com/pennyforyourshots/discovery-call Wine Camp 2026: Join the list or save your spot: https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/winecamp Become an Insider for weekly updates, tips, inspiration, and episode extras: https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/insider Love cocktails + community? Join the Sipper Club: https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/sip Explore all things Penny: coaching, podcast, events, & more: https://www.pennyforyourshots.com Follow Penny on Instagram: @penny4yourshots Or on Facebook: Penny (Kuhlers) Fitzgerald
